Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Medical laboratory scientists have strong visa sponsorship prospects because the role clearly requires a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. H-1B visa is the standard path, and hospitals, reference laboratories like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, and public health labs sponsor regularly. Many positions at academic medical centers and nonprofit hospitals are H-1B cap-exempt. ASCP certification is strongly preferred by most employers and strengthens the visa petition. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsUniversity Health - Palo Alto Hospital
Category | Allied Health
Job Schedule | Full Time
Job Shift | Day Shift
Job ID | PA00073652
Post Date | Jun. 01, 2026
Department | PAH GENERAL LAB
Salary Range | $22.50 - $40.00
POSITION SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs procedures for testing or analysis on specimens submitted to the laboratory. Evaluates test results for accuracy and submits results for the purpose of aiding the physician in diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of patients. Performs analyses that may involve a complex network of steps, variable fine-line discriminations of several parameters, correction of a variety of errors, and the operation and maintenance of complicated instruments. Supervises and accounts for work of trainees and other supportive technical personnel employed by the laboratory. Performs assigned duties rapidly and accurately. Plans work activities and makes decisions connected with own work. Recognizes unusual results and/or abnormalities and takes prompt and appropriate action to assure the accuracy and validity of test result. Assumes accountability for the dissemination of patient information to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of patients. Duties may also include performance of procedures associated with procurement of specimens from patients.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a chemical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution. OR High school graduate or equivalent AND successfully completed military training of 50 or more weeks and served as a medical laboratory specialist. OR Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution AND completed an accredited medical laboratory technician (MLT) program AND with 1-year of full time laboratory experience (within the last 5 years) in a laboratory that performs the chemical, physical or biological examination of human body fluids and/or tissues.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) is recommended but not required.
LOCATION
11102 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX, United States
University Health - Palo Alto Hospital
Category | Allied Health
Job Schedule | Full Time
Job Shift | Day Shift
Job ID | PA00073652
Post Date | Jun. 01, 2026
Department | PAH GENERAL LAB
Salary Range | $22.50 - $40.00
POSITION SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs procedures for testing or analysis on specimens submitted to the laboratory. Evaluates test results for accuracy and submits results for the purpose of aiding the physician in diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of patients. Performs analyses that may involve a complex network of steps, variable fine-line discriminations of several parameters, correction of a variety of errors, and the operation and maintenance of complicated instruments. Supervises and accounts for work of trainees and other supportive technical personnel employed by the laboratory. Performs assigned duties rapidly and accurately. Plans work activities and makes decisions connected with own work. Recognizes unusual results and/or abnormalities and takes prompt and appropriate action to assure the accuracy and validity of test result. Assumes accountability for the dissemination of patient information to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of patients. Duties may also include performance of procedures associated with procurement of specimens from patients.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a chemical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution. OR High school graduate or equivalent AND successfully completed military training of 50 or more weeks and served as a medical laboratory specialist. OR Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution AND completed an accredited medical laboratory technician (MLT) program AND with 1-year of full time laboratory experience (within the last 5 years) in a laboratory that performs the chemical, physical or biological examination of human body fluids and/or tissues.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
Certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) is recommended but not required.
LOCATION
11102 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Earn MLS(ASCP) certification before your job search
The ASCP Board of Certification exam is the standard credential expected by U.S. laboratory employers. Having it before you apply demonstrates that you meet U.S. clinical laboratory standards and eliminates a common hiring barrier. International graduates can apply through the ASCP's international degree route if their education meets equivalency requirements.
Target hospital systems with multiple laboratory sites
Large health systems like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Mass General Brigham operate high-volume laboratories that consistently need qualified MLS professionals. These organizations have established immigration processes and the resources to support H-1B petitions. Multi-site systems may also offer transfer opportunities that provide career advancement without changing employers.
Specialize in molecular diagnostics or blood banking
Molecular diagnostics, including PCR and next-generation sequencing, is one of the fastest-growing laboratory disciplines. Blood bank specialists with SBB(ASCP) certification are also in high demand due to the complexity and critical nature of transfusion medicine. Specialized expertise creates a stronger justification for sponsorship because qualified candidates are scarce.
Consider reference laboratory positions at Quest or LabCorp
National reference laboratories like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp employ thousands of MLS professionals across their testing facilities. Their large HR departments and legal teams are experienced in handling visa petitions. Reference labs may also offer specialized testing roles in areas like toxicology, genetics, or esoteric testing that are harder to fill domestically.
Explore public health laboratory roles at state agencies
State public health laboratories test for infectious diseases, environmental contaminants, and newborn screening. These government-funded labs may be able to sponsor H-1B visas, though eligibility varies by state. Public health lab experience is also highly valued by the CDC and federal contractors, which can open future career pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can medical laboratory scientists get H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Medical laboratory scientist positions typically require a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related biological science, which meets the H-1B visa specialty occupation threshold. Hospital laboratories, reference labs, and public health laboratories hire MLS professionals and may sponsor qualified international candidates. Having your MLS(ASCP) certification strengthens the petition significantly.
What is the MLS(ASCP) certification, and is it required?
The MLS(ASCP) credential from the American Society for Clinical Pathology is the most widely recognized certification for medical laboratory scientists in the U.S. While not legally required in all states, most employers expect it as a condition of hire. The certification requires a qualifying degree and passing the ASCP Board of Certification exam, which covers clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and blood banking.
Do medical laboratory scientists need VisaScreen certification?
Medical technologists and clinical laboratory scientists are on the list of occupations that may require VisaScreen certification from CGFNS for certain visa categories. The requirement applies primarily when seeking an immigrant visa or specific nonimmigrant classifications. Check the current CGFNS requirements for your specific visa pathway, as regulations can change.
Are there shortages of medical laboratory scientists in the U.S.?
Yes. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science has reported persistent vacancy rates in hospital laboratories, driven by an aging workforce and insufficient new graduates entering the field. This shortage means employers - particularly in rural areas and smaller hospital systems - may be more motivated to sponsor international MLS professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the critical need for laboratory staffing.
How to find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international healthcare professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and other work visas for laboratory professionals with specialized medical testing expertise.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a medical laboratory scientist in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.